Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), often called “opium salad,” has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for pain relief and relaxation. The milky-white sap found in the stems and leaves, known as lactucarium, is the strongest part of the plant. Although it does not contain opiates, it is traditionally prized for its mild sedative and analgesic properties.
In this article, we will explore how to collect wild salad juice, its benefits, its frequent uses, and its safety considerations. Whether you’re new to the world of herbal remedies or just curious, this guide will help you understand what makes wild lettuce juice so special.
How to collect wild salad juice
Collecting wild salad juice requires patience and the right technique to get the most out of the plant. Here’s how to proceed safely:
1. Identify the right plant
- Wild lettuce grows in open fields, roadsides, and choppy ground surfaces.
- It has tall, spiny leaves with a blue-green hue and can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- When the stem is broken off, it releases a milky-white juice – this is lactucarium.
2. Harvest the juice
- Choose mature plants: Older plants produce more sap.
- Cut off the stem near the roots with a clean knife.
- If the juice starts to seep, collect it with a spoon or scrape it onto a glass plate.
- Repeat the process: Make more cuts further up the trunk and branches to allow more sap to flow.
- Allow the juice to dry naturally to form a brownish resin.
- Store it in a small, airtight container away from moisture.
